Go for the Steal

In the first few weeks of the season, it’s a great time to jump on the short-willed owners who are hating some of their slumping players. Who do you look for? Names like Brandon Phillips and Shane Victorino come to mind.

While you’re at it, take a look at the guys on your roster that are way too hot for their own good and see if you can dump them off in the deal. Try to make a deal involving Bonafacio for Victorino. Nobody in their right mind is going to do that straight up, but players like Bonafacio will really sweeten up a deal. Some people just love those unknown, abyss players. They see unlimited potential in the uknown. On the other hand, in an early slump, they see the end of a career.

I made a deal where I traded John Danks (a guy that I have on almost all my teams because I was high on him to begin with) straight up for Brandon Phillips. I don’t think Danks is a fluke. I really didn’t want to lose him. But when I compared him to the potential of Phillips and the stats he’s put up, it was a no-brainer. Sure, it’ll hurt watching John Danks get his K’s, his wins, his low ERA and WHIP – and maybe even a Cy Young – but, who would have made that trade before the season started? Nobody.

So, why do people lose faith so quickly on these guys? Who cares? Just offer up some deals. Here are some players to think about dealing for –

Shane Victorino

Brandon Phillips

Cliff Lee

Josh Hamilton

Jimmy Rollins

Alexei Ramirez (I’m not real sure on this guy, but the numbers are there)

Derek Lee

B.J. Upton

Prince Fielder

Geovany Soto

Do some stat sorting and check out what guys did last year and see what you can come up with. I’d love to hear about some steals.